Forum Handle: Villemar_MxO
Main Character Handle: Villemar
Main Character Bluepill Name: Augustus Montez
Server: Vector
Organization: Merovingian
Where in the real life world do you live?
I live in San Diego , CA .
How long have you played The Matrix Online ?
I've started playing in beta, so around December 2004.
What other MMOs have you played?
I haven't played any other MMOs.
What type of work do you do?
I do Techy stuff.
What got you into gaming and what sort of games do you like the most?
I'm not really into gaming per se. There are certain franchises that I've kind of stumbled onto and enjoyed; for example I've been playing Grand Theft Auto since the first one came out in the 90's. I've enjoyed the Half-Life games, and of course I enjoyed Enter the Matrix. I used to think MMOs were kind of a time thief; my old boss was really into EverQuest which I would tease him about. One day in the fall of 2004 I visited the original Matrix website when I learned of a beta for this upcoming online game set in the Matrix. I signed up, got in, and the rest is history.
What other hobbies or activities do you take part in, other then playing The Matrix Online ?
I am intensely into film and music. I also try to be as educated as I can be about the world around me; this may take the form of politics, current events, technology or history. I definitely try to learn something new every day. In addition, I try to keep as physically and socially active as possible. Can't spend all my time behind a computer screen!
What is your highest character level in The Matrix Online ?
I have two level 50s, a level 32, and three level 24 characters.
How or why did you choose your main character's name?
It's a small town in Spain and it's also a name I use for my DJ mixes.
What Branch (Coder, Hacker, Operative) and ability tree is your main character?
I use Operative with a Kung Fu/Aikido blend. I also use other builds as needed.
Why did you choose the Branch and ability tree that you did?
I chose it originally for PvE so I could solo missions on hard. Since then, I've just kind of settled into it, plus I am getting much better at PvP with this build.
Is your main character in a crew, if so, what rank is the character?
I am the Captain of the Hovercraft Black Dahlia.
Is your main character in a faction, if so, which one and what is their faction rank?
I have been in Les Enfants Terribles since beta and as such, I believe that makes me longest continuous member of this fine faction.
What was your favorite chapter?
I'll go against the grain and avoid the sentimental and say certain aspects of Chapters 8 and 10 for the Merovingian organization. Why? Because, ironically enough for an entity that lives in neither the Machine world nor humanity in the Real, the Merovingian is the only one questioning what's really going on in the Real. While Zion and the Machines keep shortsightedly looking at ways to get an upper hand over each other, he's starting to take a serious look at some Big Picture questions. Like how did we get here? Is the pod system really the most efficient system for Machine power? Who are the Oligarchs and where do they fit in? What is the real story behind Dark Storm and why hasn't it been reversed by now? These new lines of inquiry are, I think, an evolution in the Merovingian's personality that I am really liking and would like to see more of.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
My favorite place would be the park at Mususaki North West. It's very tranquil.
Who is your favorite NPC?
We Merovingians are very fortunate in having quite the Rogue's Gallery of personalities. Gotta love the Twins...personality-wise they are dead-on. Ookami, Malpas, Beirn, and the General, all win (although I do get tired of Flood's attitude). I always enjoy anything having to do with the Neighborhood contacts...I took the effort and did every one of their missions a long time ago, and I'm glad I did.
What is the most $info you have ever spent at one time and what did you purchase?
The most I have ever spent was 100 million $info on a Merovingian Palace Key.
Do you have an item you no longer use but keep around for nostalgic reasons? If so, what is it and why do you keep it?
I have most of the old stuff, like Neo's Insight and the Merovingian's Boon. I wish I had kept some of my beta gear, but early on I deleted them because I needed more inventory room...this was back when we had only half of the inventory space and no in-game email!
What do you like best about The Matrix Online ?
Surprise, surprise, the community! From the stable and mature player base to the dev attention and interaction, I really think we are involved in a unique online community. One that is unlike anything we've seen or probably ever will see.
How would you describe your best experience playing The Matrix Online ?
Among the many fantastic and memorable experiences, I'd say our annual Les Enfants Terribles Club Hel Parties have been some of my best experiences. Xeros (our commander) came up with the visionary idea of holding a Merovingian party in Club Hel. The first year (2005) was an amazing success, and was attended by the Lith LE team. The Merovingian came, as well as Persephone, his badass bodyguard Xbalanque (what ever happened to that guy?) as well as a cameo by Niobe outside telling the Zionites to calm down (hah). The fights in the elevator and garage were truly epic! Since then, the tradition continues, with Mon Patron gracing our presence the last three times, which is always fantastic.
Do you run or work for an MxO Fan Site or Radio Station?
No, but I always wanted to be an in-game radio DJ. I've thought about putting together a weekly music podcast, which people can download and listen to at their leisure. It would feature lots of wild stuff people haven't heard before…but I've procrastinated...I need to get on that! I'll try to get it up and running this summer...so keep an eye out for Villemar's Terrible Podcast!
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